The horizontal reservation means that the statehood campaigners will get preference over other candidates within their respective categories (such as SC, ST, OBC or general) in government recruitment. The move is expected to benefit thousands of people who participated in or were affected by the agitation for a separate hill state . The cabinet also decided to increase the MLA Local Area Development Fund from Rs. 3.75 crore to Rs. 5 crore per year and enhance the financial assistance given to Mahila Mangal Dal from Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 40 lakh.
The decision on the reservation for statehood activists is significant as it comes after a long delay and several hurdles. The governor had returned the bill granting 10% reservation to the statehood activists in the past, citing legal issues . The statehood activists had been demanding reservation in government jobs for the past 12 years but were not getting any benefit due to lack of clarity and implementation. The new proposal has been framed after consulting legal experts and taking into account various court judgments on reservation matters.
The approval of horizontal reservation for statehood campaigners is a welcome step that acknowledges their sacrifice and service for Uttarakhand's formation and development. It also fulfills one of the long-pending demands of the people of Uttarakhand who have been fighting for their rights and identity since decades. The move is likely to boost the morale and confidence of the statehood activists and their families who have been waiting for justice and recognition. It also reflects the commitment and vision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami who has been working hard to address various issues concerning Uttarakhand's progress and welfare.